The worsening condition of floods in Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat and other areas of the country is part of a global occurrence that indicates a noticeable increase in frequency and extent of natural disasters in the last six decades or so, shows data.
EM-DAT (The International Disaster database) showed that the number of disasters in India increased from three in the decade of 1900-1909 to around 186 a century later.
In just last seven years (2010-16), India has already witnessed 107 disasters. Worldwide, catastrophes increased from 59 in the same period to 4,479 in this century. According to experts, farmers especially have become more vulnerable owing to climate change and the ensuing increase in disasters.
EM-DAT estimations show that India saw losses amounting to $6.3 billion in the 293 natural disasters that happened between 2000 and 2016. Besides, over a billion people have been affected.
The increase began in the 1950s. This was also the time when a sharp increase in population in the country was noticed. The increase in demographic pressure and human activity have a direct impact on climate change, say experts.
